Kim Mitchell Leads Barrie’s New Year’s Eve Downtown Celebration
Downtown Barrie is set to host its annual New Year’s Eve Celebration at Meridian Place on December 31, 2025. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and will run until 9 p.m. This year’s event is designed to be family-friendly and free for everyone.
Highlights of the Celebration
The celebration aims to create a vibrant atmosphere against the scenic backdrop of Barrie’s waterfront. Activities planned for the night include:
- Live music and entertainment
- Roaming performers and buskers
- Inflatables and interactive games for children
- A cozy bonfire warming zone
- A community art activity
- Various food trucks offering a variety of delicious treats
The evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m., illuminating the sky over Heritage Park and the downtown area.
Live Music Schedule
Guests can look forward to a range of musical performances throughout the event:
- 5–9 p.m. – Activities & vendors open
- 5:30–6 p.m. – The Munich Layover
- 6:30–7:15 p.m. – Barstool Confession
- 7:50–8:55 p.m. – Kim Mitchell, JUNO Award-winning artist
- 8:55 p.m. – Greetings from local dignitaries
- 9 p.m. – Fireworks finale
Community Art Activity: Share Your 2025 Magic
As part of the celebration, families can engage in the “Share Your 2025 Magic” activity. Participants will decorate wooden ornaments, reflecting moments of joy and connection from the past year. These ornaments will create a temporary public art installation at Meridian Place, on display until January 5, 2026.
Food Trucks at the Event
A variety of popular food trucks will serve delicious food options, including:
- BeaverTails
- Domino’s Pizza
- Drizzled By Adrienne
- Foodiez Barrie
- Miss Richie’s Kitchen
- Smoke’s Poutinerie
- Space Station Sweets
- Stevie’s Kettle Corn
Transportation and Parking
To accommodate attendees, Barrie Transit will provide free transportation starting at 5 p.m. and will extend service until 3 a.m. Additionally, downtown parking will be free after 5 p.m.
Please note that Simcoe Street, from Bayfield to Dunlop/Mulcaster, will be closed from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on December 31. Local traffic will still have access to Lakeshore Mews and Heritage parking lots.
Sponsors and Partners
The Barrie New Year’s Eve Celebration is proudly sponsored by Alectra, with support from the Downtown Barrie BIA and Moonwalk Entertainment. Join the community in celebrating the start of 2026 and making lasting memories at this exciting event!
